MDX is the third model to apply Acura's ground-breaking 3-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, also found in the NSX and RLX

Acura's first-ever hybrid #suv, the 2017 #mdxsporthybrid, will arrive at showrooms in early April with more than 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating as compared to the conventionally-powered #mdx SH-AWD. With a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $51,9601, a premium of only $1,500 over the conventional #mdx SH-AWD®, the #mdxsporthybrid applies Acura's innovative three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, a ground-breaking technology first offered in the RLX Sport Hybrid and more recently, the NSX supercar.

The 2017 #mdxsporthybrid is engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige in a three-row #acura#suv. Taking full advantage of the immediate, high-torque performance of its three powerful electric motors, along with the always-on capabilities of electric torque vectoring, the #mdxsporthybrid substantially expands dynamic performance and fuel efficiency for luxury #suv customer's everyday driving needs – all without sacrificing interior space or cargo volume.

Unique elements of the #mdx Sport Hybrid's design and engineering versus its non-hybrid counterpart include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain with three electric motors and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), an advanced Electro Servo braking system, new and model-exclusive Active Damper technology, and an expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with four distinct modes, including new SPORT+ mode.

The #mdx Sport Hybrid's Integrated Dynamics System engages with nine different dynamic systems within the vehicle, including its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and Active Dampers, to provide the driver with an expanded range of selectable performance characteristics to suit their varied driving needs and desires.

The #mdxsporthybrid is offered in two sophisticated grades: the #mdx with Technology Package and the #mdx with Advance Package. Both grades have exclusive interior trim, stainless steel sport pedals and feature wood interior accents; wood trim accents are only available with the Advance Package for the other two #mdx variants. The #mdxsporthybrid with Technology Package includes versatile seating for seven passengers, while the Advance Package features a 6-passenger interior with second-row captain's chairs and large second-row center console in place of a three-person bench seat.

New Features

Three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain

3.0-liter, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine

7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT)

4-mode Integrated Dynamics System with SPORT+ mode

Active Dampers

Electric Servo Brake System

Exclusive interior trim

Body-color lower side sills and front/rear skid garnishes

SH-AWD® badge on rear and Hybrid badges on front fenders

Powertrain

The #mdxsporthybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, up 31 horsepower over the non-hybrid #mdx, making it the most powerful #acura production #suv ever built. EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/27/27 mpg2 (city/highway/combined) are up 8/1/6 mpg over the non-hybrid variant.

A 3.0 liter, 24-valve, SOHC V-6 power plant with i-VTEC® valvetrain and selectable idle-stop capability provides primary motive force, with a peak output of 257 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,300 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) at 5,000 rpm. Three electric motors – a front motor built into the 7DCT, and a rear Twin Motor Unit (TMU) – provide instant torque for a more responsive and vivid driving experience.

An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard, a feature in common with the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® sedan and in 9-speed form in the NSX. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the DCT offers ultra-quick gear changes and operates without a torque converter, improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate in fully automatic mode, or it can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The hybrid powertrain also features several advancements as part of the on-going development of #acura hybrid technology, including improvements in cooling and packaging of the IPU and PCU, as well as increased hybrid battery power density.

Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)

The #mdxsporthybrid employs groundbreaking technology offered in the #acura NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid sedan. The #mdxsporthybrid SH-AWD® system is optimized to provide both outstanding performance and class-leading fuel efficiency. Depending on the driving mode (COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+), the system utilizes the V-6 engine, 7DCT with built-in motor, TMU and battery pack to provide exhilarating and confidence-inspiring performance while maximizing efficiency.

The #mdx Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD® system operates independently of the gasoline engine as the two rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion both positive and negative torque directly to the rear wheels. This system provides for dynamic, immediate and always-on torque vectoring capabilities while eliminating the weight and energy losses associated with a conventional driveshaft and differential mechanism.

When cornering, the #mdxsporthybrid delivers positive torque to the outside rear wheel, much like mechanical SH-AWD®, to create a yaw moment. In addition, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® can simultaneously apply regenerative brake torque to the inside rear wheel during cornering to further enhance cornering control, a function unique to the Sport Hybrid powertrain. As the #mdxsporthybrid doesn't rely on engine torque, the electrified #suv can create a larger torque difference between the left and right rear wheels, even during small throttle applications, at low engine speeds or when decelerating. This substantially magnifies the positive handling benefits of SH-AWD® across a much wider range of driving conditions.

Combining AcuraWatch™ with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 #mdx delivers intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment, and targets top safety ratings; a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already been achieved, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.

The #mdx is the best-selling three-row luxury #suv of all time, with five consecutive years of 50,000 sales. The 2017 #mdx was designed by the #acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif. and the #mdxsporthybrid is manufactured at the company's Lincoln, Ala. plant using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

About Acura

Acura is a leading #automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance, an original approach to technology and design that creates a new driving experience.

2 Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition and other factors.

3 Combined system horsepower as measured by the peak, concurrent output of the three electric motors and gasoline engine.